Model T Effects for Kids

By 1919, three-fifths of U.S. motor cars, and one-half of those in the entire world were Model T Fords.

Ford’s net income, (the income after expenses and tax are paid), went from $3 million in 1909 to $25 million in 1914.

The final number of Model T's produced was 15,007,003.

Model T

by Bryan

The Model T Ford
The Library of Congress

Before Henry Ford and his Model T automobile, cars were only for the rich. But when the Model T arrived, that changed. Anyone could own them---and at a very affordable price. Henry Ford opened America’s eyes to the benefits of mass production. Instead of making few cars at high prices, he made larger profits by making many cars at lower prices. While the profits for one car were lower, the huge quantities sold produced a much higher total.

The Model T Ford was introduced to America in 1908. It had a four-cylinder, twenty-horsepower engine, and the gears were controlled by foot petals on the floor of the car. It weighed about 1,200 pounds, which was lighter than most cars at the time. Having designed a good vehicle, Henry Ford had to build it efficiently, so he introduced the first moving assembly line in 1913. His idea was that each worker would stay in one spot and install the same part over and over again. This allowed the Model T to be built as quickly and cheaply as possible.

The Model T was a huge success. One of the reasons for this was that it was made of a stronger and lighter steel than the best steel alloys used in American auto making before the Model T. Another reason was that the Model T was simple, sturdy, and easy to drive. In addition, Ford paid his workers $5.00 for an eight hour day, more any than other employers. This enabled him to hire more employees.

By 1919, three-fifths of U.S. motor cars, and one-half of those in the entire world were Model T Fords. Also, Ford’s net income, (the income after expenses and tax are paid), went from $3 million in 1909 to $25 million in 1914. However, the Model T couldn’t be perfect. For example, its color barely ever changed. From 1914 to 1925, it only came in one color: black.

But the Model T couldn’t last forever. Ford stopped producing Model T on May 31, 1927, when car no. 15,007,003 came off the assembly line. This was because the General Motors car, the Chevrolet, had overtaken the Model T.

In conclusion, the Model T earned Henry Ford plenty of money while it lasted. Although it had a great price, it lacked style. Time and progress finally overtook the Model T.

For more information:
http://americanhistory.si.edu/onthemove/collection/
object_1235.html
http://www.modelt.ca/background-fs.html
http://www.wiley.com/legacy/products/subject/business/forbes/
ford.html

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Pocantico Hills School

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